Omaha banker Sid Dinsdale makes outsider bid for US Senate (AUDIO)

Pinnacle Bancorp President Sid Dinsdale is in the 6th week of his campaign, his first run for public office.

“I’m having even more fun than I thought I would,” Dinsdale tells Nebraska Radio Network. “Harvest time in Nebraska; you go out-state and go to small towns like where I’m from and you meet the best people and you see what’s going on and it really is energizing. It’s inspiring. We’ve got a great state.”

Dinsdale considered running for school board once, when no one else seemed willing to serve. He even filed, but withdrew when some of his friends reconsidered and decided to run.

Though his professional career landed him in Omaha, Dinsdale talks proudly of his small town, agricultural roots. He grew up in Palmer and still maintains a cattle operation with his brother.

Dinsdale, a Republican, says the fact that he’s new to politics is an asset.

“I’ll think outside the box. I come from a business background. I don’t owe a lot of favors, any favors that I’m aware of other than those that support me,” Dinsdale says. “So, sometimes it’s good to have somebody with no preconceived notions go into a position.”

Dinsdale says his banking background is needed in Washington. He says everything needs to be on the table as Congress considers budget cuts. Dinsdale says Congress needs to pass a budget rather than rely on funding government through continuing resolutions.

He says he’s not in it to make a career in politics and promises to serve as maximum of 12 years, two terms, if elected.

Dinsdale is one of four Republicans in the race, which includes former state Treasurer Shane Osborn, Midland University President Bud Sasse and Omaha lawyer Bart McLeay. Independent Jim Jenkins has just announced his candidacy. No Democrats have entered the race, yet.